A Fusion of Time and Torque: Jacob & Co. Presents the Bugatti Calandre with Lalique

Classic cars and luxury timepieces are mechanical marvels that are bound by precision, passion, and enduring appeal; both celebrate heritage over hype. Whether it’s the commanding presence of a Bugatti Type 41 Royale, the refined elegance of an Aston Martin DB5 or the untamed charisma of a 1960s Shelby Cobra, these vehicles transcend mere transportation — they are sculpted works of art, steeped in history and character. Likewise, a finely crafted timepiece is more than a timekeeper; it is a miniature engine of elegance, powered by meticulous artistry. 

Released in 2024, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is a testament to how horology and classic cars, united by craftsmanship, can produce extraordinary, time-defying creations. This year, the watchmaker has once again joined forces with Bugatti, along with French luxury crystal maker Lalique, to put forth a new watchmaking format: a 99-piece limited-edition Bugatti Calandre Table Clock (Ref. BU900.82.AA.AA.AAAAA). In fact, this is the brand’s first-ever table clock, developed over a three-year R&D process. This unique piece of craftsmanship combines Bugatti's storied automobile legacy with Jacob & Co.'s innovation in fine watchmaking. 

The legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale is the inspiration behind this clock. With a wheelbase of 4.3 metres and a length of over six metres, the Royale was the largest, most powerful, and most magnificent car ever built in Molsheim. The limousine had an aircraft engine that company founder Ettore Bugatti designed in 1927 on behalf of the French government; it served as a blueprint for the drive. 

The Royale’s 12.8-litre inline-eight engine delivered 300 horsepower, propelling its immense frame (up to 3.5 tons) to around 200 km/h. Despite its power, it maintained a refined operation at just 1800 rpm. A vertical shaft linked the crankshaft and camshaft, with nine plain bearings supporting the long crankshaft. The oversized bonnet required two fitters to unlock and fold it up. Paired with a three-speed gearbox, the engine drove power to the rear wheels. Unique among Bugatti models, the Royale featured a hood ornament: a sculpted dancing elephant created by Rembrandt Bugatti, the founder’s late brother, and a well-known artist and sculptor.

In keeping with the Royale’s design code, the 264 x 196 mm Lalique-moulded crystal table clock has two sculpted dancing elephants. An artistic tribute to Rembrandt, these marvellous creatures lean symmetrically towards each other, a style that defined numerous Lalique clock designs. The name, Calandre, also pays homage to Bugatti’s French heritage, translating to "radiator grille", a nod to the marque’s iconic horseshoe-shaped design. Above the grille sits the Bugatti Macaron, the brand’s signature emblem, distinguished by its deep red hue, instantly recognisable to car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Jacob & Co. has integrated a clock calibre behind the horseshoe grille, featuring a vertical flying tourbillon inspired by Bugatti’s newly released Bugatti Tourbillon hyper sports car. This design also pays homage to the tourbillon’s original function, enhancing accuracy in vertically positioned timepieces. The Calandre thus exemplifies Bugatti’s creative legacy and the artistry of Lalique, resulting in a unique masterpiece crafted from French crystal. The clock’s dial is crafted from polished steel while its openworked grille is made of aluminium, complemented by rhodium-finished hour and minute hands. As a final touch of luxury, the Bugatti Calandre features a striking 30mm red ruby, a tribute to Jacob & Co.'s renowned jewellery craftsmanship. Its deep hue echoes the signature Bugatti Macaron while its distinctive cut enhances its brilliance. Jacob & Co. employed its trademarked Jacob Cut, a nearly spherical design distinguished by 288 facets.

The Bugatti Calandre's crystal casing has been created at Lalique's workshops in Wingen-sur-Moder, eastern France. Molten crystal is poured into a steel mould, then cooled and solidified to form the sculpture. The crystal's clarity, purity, and inner brightness ensure that every detail is highlighted when light travels through. After casting, artists spend months honing each surface to sharpen edges, improve textures, and frost and polish surfaces. The process involves rigorous casting, chilling, and hand-finishing by trained artisans to ensure that each item meets the highest quality requirements. The delicate frosted and polished surfaces highlight the depth and dimension of the carved elephants, bringing them to life with light and shadow. The table clock is powered by a manual winding Calibre JCAM58 with 192 hours or 8 days of power reserve. To maintain the aesthetic, time-setting and winding are performed using a special key inserted into the clock’s caseback. All in all, precision meets passion in this clock, and the result is nothing short of roadworthy art.